Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles Recipe

Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles is the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. With its crunchy golden topping and rich flavor, this casserole offers a satisfying balance of creaminess and texture that’s sure to please the whole family.

What Is Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles?

This classic American casserole blends simple pantry staples into one hearty dish. Cooked egg noodles are combined with canned tuna, peas, and a creamy sauce—often made with condensed soup and milk—then baked with a crispy topping. It’s quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and a favorite for both kids and adults.

Other Popular Casserole Recipes

• Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Tuna Casserole with Green Beans
• Tuna Casserole
• John Wayne Casserole

Reasons to Try Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• Quick and Effortless – Ready in under an hour using everyday ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly Meal – Simple pantry staples create a filling dinner.
• Family Favorite – Mild, creamy flavor that even picky eaters love.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Option – Assemble in advance and bake when needed.
• Balanced Texture – Creamy noodles, tender tuna, and crunchy topping.
• Great for Leftovers – Stores and reheats beautifully for next-day meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained and flaked
• 3 cups cooked egg noodles
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions to Prepare Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• Cook the noodles – Boil the egg noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• Prepare the sauce – In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
• Add the tuna and peas – Stir in flaked tuna and peas until evenly distributed.
• Combine with noodles – Add cooked noodles and half the cheese, stirring until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
• Assemble the casserole – Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
• Add the topping – Mix breadcrumbs or crushed chips with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Add remaining cheese.
• Bake until golden – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
• Cool before serving – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce thicken slightly.

What Goes Well With Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• Simple Green Salad – Adds freshness to balance the creamy casserole.
• Garlic Bread – Great for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables – Pairs perfectly with the cheesy flavor.
• Steamed Broccoli – A healthy, colorful side.
• Coleslaw – Provides a refreshing crunch and contrast.

Key Tips for Making Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• Cook noodles al dente – Prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.
• Drain tuna well – Keeps the sauce from becoming watery.
• Add sour cream – Makes the sauce extra creamy and rich.
• Choose quality cheese – Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly.
• Cover while baking – Keeps the casserole moist; uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Mix thoroughly – Ensures even coating of sauce and flavors.
• Don’t overbake – Bake just until bubbly and lightly golden.

Creative Variations of Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• Cheesy Upgrade – Add Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a gooier texture.
• Healthy Swap – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and whole-wheat noodles.
• Vegetable Boost – Mix in mushrooms, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Crunchy Topping – Use French-fried onions or Ritz crackers for extra crunch.
• Tuna Rice Bake – Swap egg noodles with cooked rice for a different texture.

Storage Guidelines for Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze fully cooled casserole for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
• Defrosting – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid overbaking – Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
• Label before freezing – Helps track storage dates easily.

Reheating Tips for Easy Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles

• Oven Method – Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave Method – Heat individual servings for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop Method – Warm on low heat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Calcium: 180 mg

FAQs

How do you keep tuna noodle casserole from drying out?

To keep tuna noodle casserole creamy and moist, make sure to use enough sauce to fully coat the noodles. Adding a little extra milk or sour cream helps maintain creaminess. Also, cover the casserole with foil for most of the baking time, then uncover it at the end to crisp the top.

Should you cook egg noodles before baking tuna casserole?

Yes, egg noodles should be cooked until al dente before baking. This ensures they stay firm and don’t become mushy. Slightly undercooking them by one minute helps them hold their texture after absorbing the sauce in the oven.

Can I make tuna noodle casserole ahead of time?

Yes, tuna casserole can be made ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed until hot and bubbly.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup in tuna casserole?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. You can also make a homemade sauce using butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of garlic powder for the same creamy texture and flavor.

Final Words

Tuna Casserole with Egg Noodles is a timeless, satisfying dish that proves simple ingredients can deliver outstanding comfort. With its creamy texture, tender noodles, and crispy topping, this casserole brings warmth to any meal. Perfect for quick dinners, family gatherings, or make-ahead lunches, it’s an easy and delicious way to bring comfort to your table—one creamy bite at a time.

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